Luke 2:8-20

Luke 2:8-20 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Who were some of the first people to hear the Good News?  Shepherds, out caring for their flock by night.
  Shepherds have a long track record in the Bible.  Moses was caring for sheep when God spoke to him out of a burning bush, and David was out caring for the flocks as well.  Jesus declares himself as the Good Shepherd.
  What to make of all this talk, especially in a day and age when we have so little direct experience with sheep and shepherds?
  Know these two things, today especially.  The first is that God comes with Good News for everyone -- it is not a message that goes first to the powerful, and it is not exclusive to the rich.  Your station in life has no impact upon God's love for you and your invitation into the Kingdom of God.  The love of Christ knows no socioeconomic borders.  The second is that it is okay to not fully understand exactly what God is doing in the world.  When the angels first arrived on the scene, the shepherds were afraid -- it was only once the angels explained their mission that the shepherds understood the next steps.  Likewise, many of us are still figuring it out.  This Christmas morning, know that God calls you, and that the Christ child means hope  is still alive! 

Merry Christmas!